Statement on International Human Rights Day
Calling for the Immediate Release of Ch. Munkhbayar
On the occasion of International Human Rights Day 2025, the Southern Mongolia Congress has issued a formal statement calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Ch. Munkhbayar, a Mongolian citizen and vice president of our organization, who is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence in Mongolia.
The statement expresses deep concern that the charges against Mr. Munkhbayar are closely linked to his long-standing work documenting human rights violations in Southern Mongolia—including cultural suppression, erosion of language rights, and violations in the education system. His imprisonment represents one of the most serious cases of transnational repression, highlighting the alarming expansion of China’s influence beyond its borders.
The Congress warns that this case signals a dangerous new stage: even foreign nationals who support Southern Mongolian human rights may now face severe retaliation. The statement urges the Mongolian government to ensure transparent judicial review and calls on the international community to strengthen oversight against cross-border repression.
The full statement is available below.
International Human Rights Day Statement
Calling for the Immediate Release of Ch. Munkhbayar
A Grave Case of China’s Transnational Repression
10 December 2025
Southern Mongolia Congress
Arrest in 2022 and a 10-Year Sentence
Ch. Munkhbayar was detained in Mongolia in 2022 and subsequently sentenced to ten years in prison under the country’s judicial system. While the case may appear to be a “domestic matter,” explanations provided to his legal counsel reportedly included allegations such as “cooperation with foreign intelligence agencies” and “harming Mongolia–China relations,” suggesting a political motive and raising serious concerns about transparency.
Grave Concern: His Engagement in Southern Mongolian Human Rights Advocacy as the Real Reason
The Southern Mongolia Congress expresses deep concern that Mr. Munkhbayar’s long-standing work—documenting violations of linguistic rights, cultural destruction, and restrictions on education in Southern Mongolia, and contributing centrally to our organization since its founding—is the true reason behind his detention and harsh sentencing. These are areas that have consistently been targeted by Chinese authorities.
A Severe Case of Transnational Repression
This case represents one of the most serious examples of China’s transnational repression, the practice of exerting pressure on individuals and organizations beyond its borders. Previously, such repression primarily targeted Southern Mongolians or ethnic Mongols with PRC citizenship living abroad. However, this case marks a qualitatively new stage.
A Dangerous Shift: Foreign Nationals Supporting Southern Mongolian Rights Now at Risk
Mr. Munkhbayar is a Mongolian national. He is not a Chinese citizen and is not subject to Chinese law. Yet his advocacy for the rights of Southern Mongolians and criticism of China’s assimilationist policies have resulted in a heavy prison sentence within his own country.
This demonstrates an alarming development in which China’s transnational repression has expanded its targets from “Southern Mongolians” to foreign supporters of Southern Mongolian human rights, posing a profound threat to freedom of expression and national sovereignty.
Demands of the Southern Mongolia Congress
Mr. Munkhbayar was re-elected as Vice President at our Third General Congress, and his contributions continue to earn international respect despite his imprisonment. The Southern Mongolia Congress hereby strongly demands:
- Immediate and unconditional release of Ch. Munkhbayar
- The Government of Mongolia to ensure transparent judicial review and full compliance with international human rights standards
- Strengthened international monitoring of China’s transnational repression
- Expanded global support for linguistic, cultural, and expressive rights in Southern Mongolia
- International norms and mechanisms to prevent pressure on foreign human rights defenders, scholars, and journalists
Conclusion
Mr. Munkhbayar’s freedom is not merely a personal matter. It signals the emergence of a new stage of cross-border political repression that directly affects the safety of human rights defenders, scholars, and journalists worldwide.
On International Human Rights Day, the Southern Mongolia Congress calls upon the international community:
Release Ch. Munkhbayar immediately.
End all acts of transnational repression that undermine the international order.
10 December 2025
Southern Mongolia Congress
President: Shovchuud Temtselt
Co-Chair: Olhunud Daichin